In the Works: Daher-Socata NTx

Will 2011 be the year that Daher-Socata finally launches the twin-engine eight- to 10-seat NTx? Last year’s hiring of Stéphane Mayer as CEO seemed to indicate that formal launch of the NTx would be forthcoming, but meanwhile Daher-Socata has expressed interest in reviving the moribund Grob SPn all-composite jet program. Late last year, Daher-Socata entered into an agreement with Allied Aviation Technologies, which owns the SPn assets on behalf of the main creditor for insolvent Grob Aerospace. The agreement with Allied says that Daher-Socata is “evaluating a 100-percent composite, twin-engine business aircraft program based on the SPn platform.” Grob flew four prototypes of the then-$7.7 million SPn before it was declared insolvent in November 2008.